United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey (UWGPSNJ), in partnership with Cooper University Health Care and Virtua Health, along with a host of other community leaders, announced the launch of the Camden Community Uplift Initiative, a bold new effort to fight poverty and increase employment opportunities for Camden residents.
This multisector initiative will be implemented over the next four years, backed by an initial $5 million investment and a long-term goal of raising $8 million to scale community-led solutions.
The Camden Community Uplift Initiative represents a data-driven, community-informed response to persistent challenges in Camden City, including a 34% poverty rate (vs. 12% nationally), limited broadband access and low labor force participation. Driven by community input and partnerships with local organizations, the initiative focuses on two core strategies: expanding benefits access and connectivity, and improving pathways to family-sustaining employment for Camden residents.
To support this initiative, UWGPSNJ assembled four trusted Camden-based organizations to host focus groups with Camden residents and inform its research and approach. The participants noted that there are limited resources dedicated to supporting financial stability, relevant job training and benefits access. In addition, many residents struggle to find well-paying jobs due to barriers such as a lack of affordable, reliable transit, opportunities for residents with a criminal record and limited local opportunities.
“For the last five years, UWGPSNJ has been laser-focused on listening to what the residents of Camden need and then bringing the right partners together to work collaboratively on community-led solutions,” said Bill Golderer, CEO and president of UWGPSNJ. “Through strategic investment, local leadership and trusted local partnerships like those with Cooper and Virtua, we are committed to lifting up the entire community and ensuring change that lasts.”
Camden residents will gain access to “One Stop” community hubs offering health-care enrollment, public benefits, free tax preparation, internet access and digital skills training — supported by multilingual resources and digital navigators.
In partnership with the Federal Reserve’s Reinventing Our Communities (ROC) cohort, the initiative will also fund job training, apprenticeship programs and workforce development strategies tailored to local industries. It will also connect Camden employers directly with job seekers, aiming to boost local employment and reduce hiring barriers.
Cooper, Virtua and others bring critical health-care and workforce expertise to the table, reinforcing the initiative’s cross-sector strength.
“For 138 years, Cooper University Health Care has proudly served the residents of the City of Camden,” said Kevin O’Dowd, co-CEO of Cooper University Health Care. “This important initiative is one more way Cooper continues to serve Camden’s residents beyond patient care. Cooper is proud to partner with committed, like-minded supporters to increase economic and socioeconomic opportunities for residents of our hometown.”
“Virtua Health is deeply committed to creating communities of wellness so that everyone can achieve the best possible quality of life,” said Dennis W. Pullin, FACHE, president and CEO of Virtua Health. “By working collaboratively, we can be champions of humanity and help close the disparity gap for the residents of Camden.”
The Norcross family has partnered with the United Way for more than 50 years — first through George E. Norcross Jr. and then carried on by his son George E. Norcross III. Cooper’s leadership in this initiative extends the Norcross family’s involvement in impacting the lives of generations of Camden and South Jersey residents.
In addition to co-chairs Cooper and Virtua, the Camden Community Uplift Initiative is supported by Holman, NFI and PNC.
Though the initiative launches with $5 million, United Way and its partners are actively seeking additional investments to reach the $8 million funding goal.
“This is only the beginning,” said Golderer. “To build a Camden that works for everyone, we need individuals, corporations and philanthropic partners to step up. Your support will not only create jobs and opportunity — it will create hope.”
Philanthropic partners and community members interested in supporting the Camden Community Uplift Initiative can contact emergingInitiatives@unitedforimpact.org to learn more and contribute.
